How to Choose an HVAC Contractor in Greencastle

02/19/2016

Selecting an HVAC contractor is an important decision that you shouldn’t make without doing some investigating to be sure you’re making the right choice.

First, choose a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and more importantly, listen to you. With that noted, they should be able to present up to four options from which you can select.

When they set up your installation, is it when you wish to have it done, or when they can squeeze you in? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will ensure it meets all of your local codes.

HVAC system installation is not something you can do yourself and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in many areas, from load calculation to piping and a lot of steps in-between. You could get the highest rated system, but if it’s installed incorrectly you may not get the best performance.

Here are a few other questions to help you make the best decision while researching your HVAC contractor.

Are they NATE-certified?

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest non-profit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have verified their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and throrough tests designed by a committee of industry experts. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will provide you peace-of-mind knowing your contractor has undergone rigorous professional training.

Do they have references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company will be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can refer to and confirm the quality of their company’s work. Chat with their list of references and ask about their project and if they’d recommend them to you.

There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to check out the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll be shown any customer complaints against a company. The ACCA is a non-profit organization of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors found on ACCA are sure to be dedicated to their trade and will be able to provide referrals for previous work.

Another option is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are usually the most valuable recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to talk to and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors rely upon on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust stands by them it’s likely they’ll do good work for you too.

Are they properly licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but practically all of them do. It’s easy to search online to see if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when getting quotes from a contractor. The reason a lot of states require licenses is simply to protect you from using a company that uses less than qualified workers.

If you live in a state that requires licenses and the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have one, it’s probably best to look elsewhere to help circumvent any potential problems.

When is the best time to ask these questions?

The best time to ask questions and pick an HVAC contractor is right now, before something happens to your system. Get your furnace checked out while it’s running properly and set up your annual maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Premier HVAC Services LLC in Greencastle. Our HVAC professionals would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 717-597-9900 or you can simply schedule an appointment with us online. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.

About Premier HVAC Services LLC

Lennox was started to provide some of the most long-lasting, reliable HVAC systems in the field while providing great service and quality for customers. Premier HVAC Services LLC in Greencastle is no different, with our ceaseless commitment to your comfort and commitment to the community. We strive to be the greatest at what we do so you can always be comfortable, and know you can always depend on us. Give us a ring at 717-597-9900 or set up an appointment with us so we can help you achieve whole home comfort.